Unfortunately, we’re all too familiar with the smell of stinky feet. When you’ve had socks and shoes on all day, and you’ve been walking around, sweating, and working, you know that you’ve built up an odor. At the end of our busy work schedule, we come home to remove our foot coverings, and we’re met with a not-so-savory smell. But the good news is that you aren’t alone; this is a human condition.
But why exactly does that happen? And why do some people’s feet stink worse than others? Are there any remedies for bad foot odor, or is it just something we need to deal with as humans?
At Jamfeet, we offer explanations and solutions to this smelly problem. Check out our short guide to help you navigate stinky feet. Reach out to your Los Angeles foot surgeon if you have any questions. Whether it be bunion surgery, warts, or solving odor issues, Dr. Jamshidinia is here for you.
The Science Behind Stinky Feet
Like many explanations, there’s a scientific reason behind foot odor. While there may be some extraneous factors that contribute to some people having a worse odor, in general, there is an expectation that feet will smell after a long day. The biggest culprit of foot odor is a bacteria known as brevibacterium, which loves to take up real estate between your toes.
A study done by UPMC shows that the same bacteria is used in the fermentation process of some cheeses, which is why the bad foot odor is compared to the smell of cheese. We are what we eat!
This bacteria lives off of salt and sweat, so when your feet give it a damp environment, it tends to thrive. Don’t worry, a quick rinse with soap and water will most likely do away with foot odor. But in some cases, it doesn’t. When you feel like this bacteria has come to stay and just won’t leave, it may be time to seek treatment opportunities.
Get Rid of Odor for Good
Some foot odor can get out of hand, leading to more conditions caused by the bacteria. Sores, swelling, and Athlete’s Foot are some of the symptoms that can arise out of too much of the odor-causing bacteria. In these cases, it’s important to seek proper treatment.
At Jamfeet, we propose several remedies to keep the odor at bay and to eliminate the unhealthy symptoms. These include:
–Taking a saltwater bath. Soaking your feet in saltwater can make the bacteria go away pretty fast. Since bacteria are drawn to salt, it will want to leave your feet to seek out all the saltwater around it.
–Change your socks often. Wearing the same socks every day can cause them to smell bad. Not only do they smell, but they continue to harbor that bacteria which will just get on your feet every time you put your foot back into that sock. By washing and changing into clean socks often, you can avoid that bacteria buildup over time and manage the smell.
–Use a powder. Baby powder and other odor-removing powders can be really healthy for your feet. They will absorb the moisture and keep your feet as a dry environment, so there is nothing for the bacteria to latch on to.
If these safe and simple remedies aren’t providing any help, you can come into our office for an immediate consultation. We have advanced treatment options that can solve any issues that are happening with your feet.
Stay Smell-Free!
Our procedures are progressive and successful. If you’re looking for a more advanced consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We are eager to answer any questions you may have, and assist you further in figuring out the state of your foot odor. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at (310) 579-2080.
